Richard Grootscholten moves on from Whitecaps FC Residency program

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that Richard Grootscholten, Residency technical director and head coach, will end his coaching responsibilities with the club effective Friday, April 27, 2012. Grootscholten's contract with Whitecaps FC is expiring soon, but he will remain with the club in an advisory capacity to assist with the transition, after which time, he will move on to pursue other opportunities.

“Richard has been a key member of Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Residency program and has done a great job assisting with the restructuring of the program over the past two years,” said Bob Lenarduzzi, Vancouver Whitecaps FC president. “With many of the building blocks now in place, and many goals achieved, Richard has decided to move on to new opportunities. We thank Richard for his time and his many contributions to the club.”

“I have enjoyed every minute of the past two years with the club and am thankful for the opportunity and warm support I received,” said Grootscholten. “My family and I will keep following the club with interest – we will be fans for life! We wish the club, my colleagues, and the players all the best in their future.”

Grootscholten’s coaching responsibilities will be shared amongst current Residency and first team coaching and technical staff until further planning is done for the new program cycle.